Pot furnace and the like



Jan. 28, 1930. P. B. cRocKER POT FURNACE AND THE- LIKE Filed May l5.v1928 VIII Patented Jan. 28, 1.930

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE H `.`I?E1IR.(}IVAL B. CROCKER, OF TAUNTON,MASSACHUSETTS, IASSIGrNOIR. TO THE SENTRY A COMPANY, F TAUNTON,MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS POT FURNACE AND THE LIKEApplication filed May 15,

This invention relates to pot furnaces and similar heaters wherein abody of liquid, ordinarily molten material, is held in a suitablecontainer readily accessible for use, as by fladling out a portionthereof or by dipping an article therein. Solder pots and salt baths areinstances which will readily occur to the reader. The object of theinvention is to provide an improved arrangement of dis- ,placeable coverfor use with such structures.

My invention will be well understood by reference to the followingdescription of the electrically heated pot furnace illustrated in theaccompanying drawings as a single eX- femplary embodiment of theinvention, in

which drawings:

Fig. l is a top plan view of the furnace;

and

Fig. 2 is a partial section onthe line 2-2 .'of Fig. l, with partsbroken away.

In the drawings I have illustrated a furnace embodying a suitable casing3 supporting the refractory walls 5 of a furnace chamber in which issuspended a pot or crucible j7, the open top of which is exposed at thetop of the furnace. The furnace shown is of the electrically heatedtype, as indicated by the showing of the junction box 9. In suchfurnaces a thermo-couple is usually in- `iserted in the pot in order toprovide for indicating or controlling the temperature of the moltenmaterial, and I have herein shown a connection for such a thermo-couplein the form of a pipe 11 leading from the juncition boX and over the topof the casing and down over the edge of the Crucible (see Fig. 2). Animportant feature of my invention is an arrangement of parts whichpermits the convenient application of the thermoijcouple or similardevice in this manner.

1928. Serial No. 277,893.

may be swung away, as illustrated at the left of Fig. l, to provideaccess to the open top of the pot, and for this purpose they may beprovided with manipulating handles 17. Ordinarily the workman wouldstand at one side of the furnace, corresponding to the upper side ofFig. l, and preferably both lids are pivoted at the opposite side sothat they swing away from him, giving him full and convenient access tothe opening. The thermo-couple preferably runs in over the edge of theback side (the lower side in Fig. l) closely adjacent the rear wall ofthe crucible to obstruct the same to a minimum degrec.

Referring to Fig. 2 showing the righthand lid, this may be pivoted on asuitable vertical-axis disposed at one side of the pipe 1l, and I haveherein shown the semi-cylindrical shell as provided with a suitablywebbed arm 19 carrying a pivot 21 working in a step bearing 23 whichherein takes the form of a recess in the top plate of the casw ing. Theleft-hand lid 13 may be provided with a like arm and may be similarlypivoted on a separately located vertical pivot, herein lid at theopposite side of the pipe l1. That is, in the embodiment of theinvention shown the two lids are pivoted on vertical axes at oppositesides of the diametral line which forms the joint between the closedcovers and which is in alignment with the pipe ll. It will be seen thatwith this arrangement the pipe il may be led closely over the top of thecasing and down over the edge of the crucible 7 between the pivotbearings without interference therewith and that the lids,

directly opposite the pivot of the right-hand when closed, will fit overand above the same,

they being suitably recessed,`as indicated at 25, to receive the bend ofthe pipe.

To support the lids when swung back to the position of the left-hand onein Fig. l, the top plate of the casing may be provided with suitableradiating ribs 27 which support the overhung weight of the lids in themanner of tracks but permit their movement without undue friction. As isseen in Fig.

2, the pin and socket connection at 21-23 A may be made a somewhat looseone in order to permit a certain tilting movement of the lidstransversely of the plane in which they swing. Thus a slight liftingmovement of the handles will facilitate opening of the lids. When openedthey rest freely on the ribs 27 without strain on the pivots.

Not only are the lids displaceable but they are readily removable merelyby lifting them off, if desired. The construction is simple andconvenient and not likely to get out of order, and possible binding ofthe parts is eliminated. I have already explained how the arrangementmay provide for the installation of a thermo-couple or similar mechanismextending inwardly over the edge of the pot.

I am'nware that the invention may be embodied in other specific formsWithout departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereo and Itherefore desire the present embodiment to be considered in all respectsas illustrative and not restrictive; reference being had to the appendedclaims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the sco ofthe invention.

1. In a structure of the class described having a container thereinopening at the top thereof, a member extending into the container overan edge thereof, a pair of lids providing a cover for the containersupported to swing about separate laterally disposed vertical pivots andclosing to ether, said lids being shaped to provide at t eir joint arecess to receive said member between and beneath them.

Q. In a structure of the class described having a container thereinopening at the top thereof, a member extending into the container overan edge thereof, a pair of lids providing a cover for the container, oneof said lids being supported to swing about a vertical axis disposedlaterally adjacent said member where the latter extends over said topand the other supported to swing about a separately located verticalaxis, the two lids closing together to cover the container and beingshaped to provide at their joint a recess receiving said member betweenand beneath them.

3. In a structure of the class described having a container thereinopening at the top thereof, a member extending into the container overan ed e thereof, a pair of lids providing a cover or the container, eachhaving a laterally disposed ivot, step bearings at opposite sides ofsaid) member receiving said pivots swingingl to support said lids toclose together, said1 lids being shaped to provide a recess at their'oint to receive said member and closing toget er above and about saidmember.

4. In a structure of the class described having an opening in the top, acontainer set in the opening, a cover adapted to fit over the top of thecontainer comprising a pair of lids closing together thereabout, pin andsocket pivots about which said lids may swing and projections on the topof the structure for supporting the said lids in open position.

5. In a structure of the class described having an opening in the top, acontainer set in the opening, a cover adapted to fit over the top of thecontainer comprising a pair of lids closing together thereabout, pin andsocket pivots about which said lids may swing and fitting loosely topermit tilting movement of the lids thereabout transversely of the planein which they swing, and projections on the top of the structure forsupporting the said lids in open position.

6. In a structure of the class described having a container thereinopening at the top thereof, an elongated member extending into thecontainer over an edge thereof, a cover for the container including amovable lid and a cooperating part against which said lid closes in ajoint aligning with said member. said lid and part in the closedposition defining a downwardly opening recess in which said member isreceived, said lid pivoting 'itbout a vertical axis at one side of saidmemver.

7. In a structure of the class described having a container thereinopening at the top thereof, an elongated member extending into thecontainer over an edge thereof, a cover for the container including amovable lid and a cooperating part against which said lid closes in ajoint aligning with said member, said lid and part in the closedposition defining a downwardly opening recess in which said member isreceived, said lid having a vertical pivot working in a step bearing atone side of said member.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

PERCIVAL B. CROCKER.

